FUJAIRAH // A new boating centre for youngsters aims to keep the seafaring traditions of the country alive.
The Dh500,000 Marine Youth Centre, which is due to open in July at the Fujairah International Marine Club, will offer sailing, powerboat driving, kayaking and diving courses for children from the ages of eight to 15.
Ahmed Al Blooshi, managing director of the club, said: “Fishing, sailing and water sports are part of the country’s heritage and by establishing this centre we will keep traditions alive and pass them forward to the new generations.”
Seham Hatami, an instructor at the centre, said she was expecting the powerboat courses to be popular.
“We will start with the theoretical parts, such as describing the types of powerboats, then move on to technical parts and then end with the practical one,” she said.
“They will move from one level to the other until they become professional and participate in national and international competitions.”
Mohammed Al Elely, an 11-year-old Emirati, was excited about the opening of the centre.
“I look forward to being one of the students in the centre. It will be a new experience for me and all the kids here,” he said.
“I have always wanted to learn how powerboats operate as I used to attend and watch the competitions at the marine club and on TV, and now I have the chance to know everything about powerboats and even ride one.”
Mohammed’s father, Saeed Al Elely, hoped his son would learn about the country’s heritage.
“Mohammed is a very talented boy — he is the first in his class and has received many awards in chess competitions and soccer, he has the passion to obtain new skills and we always encourage him to do that,” he said.
“Having a specialised centre in the area will definitely provide a safe environment for young people to learn such activities and reconnect with the country’s traditions and heritage in a modern way.”
rhaza@thenational.ae
